Ravichandran Ashwin’s tips to Mujeeb ur Rahman might come back to bite the Indian team in Afghanistan’s inaugural Test which gets underway on July 14.
Having played under the captaincy of Ashwin at Kings XI Punjab in his maiden stint in the IPL, the Afghan youngster has revealed he intends to use a mystery ball taught to him by the senior India spinner when the two teams meet at Bengaluru.
“I spent a lot of time with Ashwin at the nets and it was really helpful. He told me spots where to bowl. He has also taught me a new ball and I am trying to learn it. It is a carrom ball with an off-spin action,” the teenage spin prodigy told the Press Trust of India in an interview.
The teenager picked up 14 wickets with an outstanding economy-rate in the IPL this year before an injury to his bowling hand cut short his tournament. That IPL stint, Mujeeb believes will hold him in great stead when Afghanistan take on the No1 ranked Indian team.
Mujeeb has enjoyed a meteoric rise in international cricket.
“I have played high-level cricket already so there is no fear going into the Test. Thanks to the IPL, I know how to handle pressure. I don’t fear playing against any opposition. It used to play on my mind but not anymore,” the youngster stated.
Mujeeb and leg-spinner Rashid Khan are a part of a strong Afghan spin contingent for the historic Test which will be held at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.